May 2024

This issue of Hydrocarbon Engineering begins with a regional report exploring the latest developments in Asia’s downstream oil and gas sector. This issue also includes detailed technical articles and case studies covering refinery CO₂ reduction, digitalisation, corrosion protection, gas sampling, turbomachinery, and much more.

This month's front cover is brought to you by Alkegen.

Asia’s appetite for oil not slowing
If oil demand is peaking, why are China and India still investing? Ng Weng Hoong, Contributing Editor, investigates.

Get connected
Industrial operators that take advantage of the latest digital and automation asset performance management (APM) tools can look forward to improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and a proactive maintenance culture. Stacey Jones, ABB Energy Industries, explains.

The digital factory
Nienke Gerridzen, Yokogawa, explores how companies can maximise the impact of digitalisation in a VUCA world.

The value of accessible asset data
Andy Phillips, Tracerco, UK, explains the important role of actionable data in providing efficient and insightful refinery column scans.

Refinery CO₂ reduction: proven performance
Mateus Camparotto, Alkegen, South America, presents the results of a study undertaken to evaluate insulation alternatives for the convection section of petrochemical furnaces.

Improving the mechanical integrity of a facility’s assets
Corrosion under insulation is a common issue that can lead to significant problems at industrial facilities. Fred Addington, Pinnacle, USA, explains how it can be tackled.

Specialist solvent selection
Ashraf Abufaris, BASF Middle East Chemicals LLC and Blake Morell, BASF Corp., USA, consider how use of a highly H2S selective solvent can help to optimise capital investment and reduce operating costs.

Dual measurement solutions
Airat Amerov, AMETEK Process Instruments, USA, details the importance of measuring and controlling both hydrogen and water concentrations in the catalytic reforming process.

Critical measurements
Rhys Jenkins, Servomex, UK, explains why measuring water impurities in ethylene dichloride and other key hydrocarbon processing applications is crucial.

Mastering the art of sampling gases and volatile liquids
Understanding the challenges facing gas grab sampling technicians and overcoming them is essential in building an effective sampling system. Matt Dixon, Swagelok, USA, explains best practices.

High speed balancing
Brian Hantz, Qingyu Wang and Brian Pettinato, Ebara Elliott Energy, consider API acceptance criteria for the high-speed balancing of turbomachinery rotors.

Detection and protection
Nabil Abu-Khader, Compressor Controls Corp. (CCC), UAE, considers best practice for preventing compressor damage caused by surge.

May 2024

Contents